Artisans, craftsman and folk artists are not only invaluable assets of Pakistan but also impressive rural face of the country which need to be properly patronized, supported and preserved.
Lok Mela organised last month here at the federal capital exhibited handicraft products by artisans and craftsmen besides live display by folk artists, which was exquisite depiction as well as characterization of country’s rich cultural heritage.
Over week-long Lok Mela held at Lok Virsa was not only entertaining and informative but also displayed soft image of the country which pressingly needs to be fostered.
At the inaugural as well as concluding ceremonies of the Lok Mela, attended by craftsman, artisans and artists from the four provinces and regions, the government representatives expressed that all out efforts were underway to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the country by promoting the artists and craftsmen, but mere lip service will not serve the objective.
Lok Mela was not only source of encouragement but also recognition of the work of craftsman, artists and artisans who are in fact rendering invaluable contribution in preserving our indigenous folk traditions and promoting them as our soft image at the national and international level.
Earnest efforts are being made by the government to ensure judicious and balanced representation of all provinces and regions while safeguarding their traditional culture and values, claimed the sources.
Sans any doubt, Lok Mela was reflection of rich rural face of Pakistan, which effectively tried to highlight those crafts that are disappearing owing to new techniques used in craft making.
A number of initiatives have been taken to promote the artisans and artists of the country, claimed the official sources adding master artisans, folk artists and musicians from all the provinces and regions were being patronized and supported through diverse ways and means.
Real thrust and focus of the Mela was to foster provincial harmony and national integration, which is much-needed in building further prosperous and bright future of Pakistan.
The prime objective of holding such Lok Mela is to revive diminishing and dying crafts of Pakistan which are bastion of our rural life as well as rich heritage. Lok Mela provides an opportunity to crafts people not only to display their workmanship at the national level but also to sell their products to the public, enabling them to comprehend the nitty-gritty of marketing of their crafts.
Lok Mela like events also enable the diplomatic community to witness folk musical and cultural entertainment and appreciate the skills of the craftsman and artisans besides buying them on reasonable prices.
A new tradition was introduced on the occasion this year whereby Chaddar Poshi of nomadic folk singers and Dastarbandi of master craftsmen took place. Over 500 artisans, craftsmen, musicians and artists, drawn from country’s different parts including remotest regions participated in Lok Mela,
Prominent features of the Mela consisted of exhibition of dying crafts of Pakistan, Provincial Cultural Pavilions, Chitral and Kalash Pavilion, Folkloric Song & Dance Ensembles, Rural Musicians, Cultural Evenings, Promotional Stalls by Public Organizations & NGOs and Craft children amusement.
Pavilions set up by all the provinces and regions presented indigenous folk music, songs, dances and traditional cuisine peculiar to their respective areas at the colourfully-designed camps.
The pavilion of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had its own attraction and charm. The replica of `Bab-e-Khyber’ as entrance to the pavilion turned out to be tall with its grandeur and splendour.
Jasti tanka, embroidery, phulkari, paranda work, cross stitch skill, tar kashi and lacquer work were among the few works, displayed on the occasion. Patterns were etched with the help of thick iron needle on the surface, depicting each colour in line with the requirements of traditional patterns.
Artisans displayed Peshawari carpet, Charsada Khaddar, clay pottery, gemstones, Charasadda chappal, wax printing, Swati wood work, Swati shawl, stone and wood carving. The aroma of the food wafted through the mela offering irresistible temptation which consisted chappal kabab, patta seekh and `lamb karahi’ with qehwa.
Hujra was also carved out wherein musicians presented folk Pushto music “Tank Takor”, while playing traditional musical instruments `rabab’. The colors of Punjabi culture dominated the Lok Mela organized by Lok Virsa.
Province Sindh is famous for a wide range of folk crafts like lacquer art, blue pottery, Sindhi embroidery, Ajrak, block printing, traditional carpet weaving, rilli (appliqu‚ work), tie-dye, khes weaving, wood works, Thari embroidery and several others, which were exhibited in the Lok Mela.
Punjab pavilion offered the visitors the rare opportunity to see the rich culture in the federal capital. The winning artisans from all the provinces and regions bagged cash awards. Exotic cultural and musical performances were also presented during the award ceremony, which were greatly enjoyed by the audience. Art, craft and music lovers, cultural personalities, media persons and general public attended the event.
Ace artisans and maestro folk singers, drawn from different provinces also showed their skills. New artisans, introduced by Punjab Council of the Arts in the Lok Mela, roped in great commendation for their work from the visitors including foreigners. Camel work, decoration pieces of bamboo, glass work and work on leaves of dates were prominent among their work.
The Lok Mela wooed huge swarms and crowd at the Exhibition of Dying Crafts of Pakistan, Provincial and Regional Cultural Pavilions, Folkloric Song and Dance Performances, NGO and Public Sector stalls, theatre Performances, Cultural Evenings and Craft Bazaar
“Lok Mela has given an opportunity to all federating units to showcase diversity within provinces and regions. It also serves to contribute towards unity, national integration, religious harmony, love, peace and brotherhood among the nation,” said a visitor on the occasion.